Bridgton race: For Annika, running is natural

TOP FEMALE FINISHER — Annika Pfitzinger, 21, of Auckland, New Zealand was the fastest female in the 38th running of the Bridgton 4 on the Fourth in 22:32. (Rivet Photo)

Annika Pfitzinger hopes to one day follow in her parents’ footsteps.

The 21-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand ran Bridgton’s four-miler in 22 minutes, 32 seconds to be the seventh competitor to cross the finish line on the Fourth.

Her dad represented the United States in the marathon at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics while her mother represented New Zealand in 1988 in the 3000 meters.

“Since both of my parents were runners, running came naturally as a sport I could do. My parents never really pushed me into running, but it came quite naturally and they have always been very supportive,” she told Bridgton Race Director Jim Cossey. “I haven’t made it to the Olympics yet, but I hope to one day and that’s what I’ll be training for the next few years. I will probably be a 5000 or 10,000m runner. I’m not quite sure if I’ll quite make it up to the marathon like my dad!”

So, how did a New Zealander land in Bridgton, Maine, on the Fourth of July?

Annika was born in Exeter, New Hampshire and lived for a few years in Massachusetts before moving to her mom’s native country when she was five years old.

Annika and her boyfriend, along with other New Zealand athletes, arrived in the States in April to race and train. She spent six weeks racing track (1,500m) in California before moving on to Boulder, Colorado, where she underwent “altitude training” for the first time. Then, it was off to Canada where she competed in a 5000m national championship race and finished sixth overall.

Being near the East Coast, Annika decided to make a trip to Boston. For 15 years, her parents lived “around that area” and Annika wanted to see their old stomping grounds.

“I was lucky enough to be able to stay with some friends that my dad used to race against. They have a cottage on Lake Sebago and mentioned that they were doing the 4 on the Fourth (their youngest son won his age group),” she said. “I wanted to do one last road race before going home so I decided to race, as well!”

And race, she did. Annika was a full two minutes faster than her closest female competitor.

“I really enjoyed the race. It was a lot of fun and a great way to start my first Fourth of July in America after being away 16 years!” she said. “I’d really love to race next year and have a go at that record if I’m able to come over!”

Annika is back in New Zealand now and will be competing in the National Cross Country Championships in a month.

“Coming back to winter was a bit of a shock after coming from the beautiful United States summer!” she added.